Health care reporter Caroline Chen dug into the projections to learn what to make of them. Forecasts are fuzzy, but the takeaway is clear: Stay home.

Two large breed dogs ran away from their owner while she was bathing them. When they ran away, they ran to the H Ave dog park. An officer responded and used the phone number on the collar to identify and contact the owner who was reunited with her animals.

The number of COVID-19 cases among Skagit County residents went up another notch on Tuesday to a new total of 9 cases, with two in area hospitals. Skagit County Public Health only tracks COVID-19 cases of Skagit County residents, to avoid duplication in reporting. Facilities in our community may be caring for patients who are from another county.

In alignment with recommendations from the State, the Skagit County Health Officer has released new, additional guidance to help stop the spread of COVID-19:

• People at higher risk of severe illness should self-isolate now. This includes physical isolation from non-household family members, including grandchildren.
• Everyone should limit activity outside the home to essential activities only, like buying groceries and going to work (if you cannot telecommute). Outdoor activities such as walking, running, biking, and hiking are encouraged.
• The community should postpone all non-essential events and gatherings – both informal and formal. Fundraisers, weddings, lunchroom gatherings, book groups, service clubs, retirement parties, and other social activities are considered non-essential. Contact Skagit County Public Health for guidance at 360-416-1500 if you plan to hold any gathering outside of your immediate household members.
• Parents should not arrange large playdates, sleepovers, or parties and keep their kids home. Kids should play outside to stay healthy and active.

Additionally, by order of Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Skagit County residents, businesses and organizations must observe the following social distancing requirements:

• On-site consumption of food or beverage services are temporarily prohibited, except for at childcare services and school-based food programs. Takeout and delivery are allowed.
• Certain recreation, entertainment, and leisure services are temporarily prohibited. See www.skagitcounty.net/coronavirus for more details.
• All other retail businesses must ensure adequate environmental cleaning of stores and must designate an employee or officer to implement a social distancing plan.
• All gatherings – informal and formal – over 50 people are prohibited.
• All gatherings with under 50 participants are prohibited unless certain public health criteria are met.

Grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open. When you notice shortages of products in the store, this is not because of a disruption to the supply chain, but it is because customers have bought it all. These shortages make it hard for other people in our community to find products when they need them. Maintain a fourteen day food supply, but otherwise, help your neighbors by buying just what you need.

Many workers are impacted by these closures. The Employment Security Department has just adopted a series of emergency rules to help people who are affected by COVID-19. The agency has temporary layoff, isolation and quarantine resources for workers and businesses. Check their website to see what benefits might be helpful to you. The State and Federal government are exploring additional measures for economic relief.

We must support one another. These recommendations create significant economic hardship and will be disruptive to daily life. Consider ways you can support your local businesses, loved ones, yourself, and community during this time of need:

• Supporting businesses: Consider ordering takeout, delivery, or buying a gift card to a local restaurant or business.
• Supporting loved ones: Video chat with friends and family or write a letter. If you are young and healthy, offer to assist with childcare. Offer to pick up groceries for a neighbor who can’t leave the house.
• Supporting yourself: Managing stress is important. If you can, get outside for a walk. Listen to your favorite meditation app, take a class via YouTube, or tour museums virtually. Talk to your household about maintaining a regular routine. Take a break from the news.
• Supporting community: Blood supplies have hit emergency levels due to coronavirus concerns. Consider donating blood. Reach out to your favorite nonprofit and ask what they need to get through this.

Skagit County will update its website daily, including adding mental health resources. Stay informed at www.skagitcounty.net/coronavirus

Skagit County Public is now reporting seven confirmed cases of COVID-10, including one person hospitalized. And, the county says there is more transmission of novel coronavirus in the county than the confirmed case count indicates.

Effective at 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 16^th, the Anacortes Public Library will be closed indefinitely. Library leadership will be monitoring the recommendations from the CDC & Governor Inslee’s office to make any further decisions regarding closure beyond this timeline.